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The Coelacanth: A Living Fossil From the Depths of Time

Once thought to be extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period, the Coelacanth is a fascinating deep-sea fish that was rediscovered in 1938. Often referred to as a "living fossil," this elusive creature can grow up to 6 feet long, weigh up to 150 lbs, and live for over 60 years. With unique adaptations such as lobe fins that mimic legs, a hinged skull for capturing large prey, and specialized sensory organs, the Coelacanth serves as a critical link between fish and tetrapods. Sadly, it is currently listed as endangered.

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The Coelacanth: A Living Fossil From the Depths of Time

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  1. Creature Feature

  2. Coelacanth

  3. Thought to be extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period (65 mya) • First live specimen was discovered in 1938 by a South African museum curator on a local fishing trawler • Have since been discovered all over the world • Considered a ‘living fossil’

  4. Many shark-like characteristics, however they are bony-fish • Considered the missing link between fish and tetrapods • Elusive deep-sea dwellers (down to 2300 ft.) • Listed as Endangered

  5. Can live up to 60 years • Reach up to 6 feet long • Weigh up 150 lbs. • Give birth to as many as 26 live pups (develop internally)

  6. Weird Adaptations • Pair of lobe fins that extend away from its body like legs and move in an alternating pattern • Hinged joint in the skull which allows the fish to widen its mouth for large prey • An oil-filled tube, called a notochord, which serves as a backbone • Thick scales common only to extinct fish • An electrosensory rostral organ in its snout likely used to detect prey

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